African Americans Could Be Well Represented at 2014 Oscars

Several films that center on the Black experience are set to be released throughout the remainder of 2013, films that just might have a chance at an Oscar nomination. Deadline Hollywood is calling them the “Strongest group of African American contenders in years.”

The award-winning “Fruitvale Station” opens this Friday. “Fruitvale Station” tells the true story of Oscar Grant, a young Black man who was killed by a BART police officer in 2009.

With next month comes the premiere of “The Butler,” which tells the story of the Civil Rights Movement as experienced by a White House butler, followed by “Blue Caprice” in September, a thriller about the Beltway sniper attacks.

In the fall, moviegoers can look forward to “12 Years a Slave,” “Winnie Mandela,” “Mandela: A Long Walk To Freedom,” and “Black Nativity”.

In June, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made an effort to increase the diversity of its members, and with this many serious black films lined up, perhaps next year will bring a more diverse group of Academy Award winners as well.